Outstanding Qualities

This handsome perennial is among a palette of Mediterranean plants well-adapted to the coastal Pacific Northwest climate, which receives much rain in winter and has extended dry spells in summer and fall. Euphorbia characias subsp. characias 'Humpty Dumpty' is a dramatic plant that only grows to about half the size of the typical species. In late winter to early spring great club-like inflorescences emerge from the crown. These carry a dome of small flowers set off by lime green bracts. The overall effect is eye-catching and lasts well into June. At about the same time, new shoots emerge holding narrow, grey-green leaves. The whole plant reaches about two feet tall and wide. It combines well with perennials like blue oat grass, giant needle grass, maiden grass, bear's breeches, stinking hellebore and digger's speedwell. Plant it with such shrubs as smoke bush, purpleleaf barberry, Ceanothus 'Victoria', Rosa glauca and bay laurel. This statuesque plant is a striking addition to any garden. CAUTION: Be careful when working with all euphorbias, as some people can develop severe skin reactions to the white sap.